hariansurabaya.com | In the world of Indonesian badminton, where competition is exceptionally fierce, only those with true grit and unwavering dedication can carve a path from local clubs to international arenas. Mustaqim Nur Cahyo, born on October 7, 1997, stands as a testament to this spirit—a 167 cm tall shuttler whose journey has taken him from the courts of East Java to the competitive circuits of the Middle East.
Roots and the Rise in National Rankings
Mustaqim’s foundation was built at the Galaxy Sidoarjo club, a training ground that prepared him for the high-pressure environment of Indonesian badminton. His talent became evident early on as he climbed the national ladder. By 2013, he was ranked 25th in the U-17 national category, and by 2015, he reached a career-high ranking of 11th nationally in the U-19 category.
The year 2015 was a defining chapter in his domestic career. He emerged as the Winner of the Men’s Singles U-19 at the Kejurprov Jatim and claimed the top spot at the FIFA Flypower Open III. His contribution to his province was equally significant, helping the East Java team secure a silver medal (Runner-up) at the prestigious POPNAS XIII 2015 and reaching the semifinals of the PORPROV V Jawa Timur.
The Struggle: A Nomadic Pursuit of Excellence
Becoming a professional athlete in Indonesia requires immense physical and mental endurance, often involving a “nomadic” lifestyle to gain experience. Mustaqim embraced this challenge, traveling across the vast Indonesian archipelago to compete in the Djarum Sirkuit Nasional (Sirnas). His track record shows him competing in various regions, including Kalimantan Timur, Lampung, Jawa Barat, and Sumatera Utara, often reaching the latter stages of these grueling tournaments, such as being a semifinalist in the 2015 East Java Sirnas.
His ambition eventually pushed him beyond national borders. In 2017, he made his international debut at the FDG Cup in the Philippines, reaching the Round of 32 in both Men’s Singles and Mixed Doubles. This leap of faith marked the beginning of his journey as an international “Badminton Warrior.”
Dominating the Middle Eastern Circuit
Mustaqim’s career found a second wind in the Middle East, where he became a dominant force. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), he secured major titles, including Winner of the Men’s Doubles Level A at the Sparc Yonex UAE Badminton Championship 2017 and the Team Event winner at the 3rd ISC – Big Tickets UAE 2017. He continued his podium streak as a Runner-up at the Shibil Badminton Academy 2018 and reached the quarterfinals of the ISC Apex Elite Badminton Championship 2018.
As he entered his late 20s, Mustaqim’s performance in Qatar reached new heights. The year 2025 has been particularly prolific for him. He earned the title of Runner-up in Men’s Singles at the QIA Qatar Open Badminton Tournament Season 4 after a hard-fought final. He also showcased his versatility in doubles, securing 3rd place at the QBF Badminton Open 2025 alongside Iman Hoerudin. In that same tournament, he displayed great sportsmanship despite losing in the quarterfinals to his compatriot, Muhammad Zaenun Zidan. His most recent achievements include being the Men’s Doubles Runner-up at the Fan4Ever QIA Qatar Open Season 3 in January 2025.
A Global Ambassador of the Sport
Beyond the medals and trophies, Mustaqim has spent his career rubbing shoulders with the world’s elite. He has documented experiences and interactions with top-tier players such as Srikanth Kidambi and Subhankar Dey from India, Wei Feng Chong from Malaysia, and Isabella Nielsen from Denmark.
Mustaqim Nur Cahyo’s narrative is one of persistence. Whether competing in a local hall in Sidoarjo or a grand arena in Doha, he carries the Indonesian flag with pride. His journey serves as an inspiration, proving that with enough dedication, the dream of becoming a global athlete is attainable, regardless of where the journey begins. As long as he holds his racket, the story of this Indonesian warrior continues to unfold on the world stage. (ist)
